This morning in Dixon, IL, seniors gathered in the school gymnasium for a graduation rehearsal. In addition to the students, a 19-year-old former Dixon high school student showed up, with a gun. Does this sound familiar yet?
Unlike in Parkland, Florida, this time the school resource officer challenged the would-be killer. The suspect opened fire and a gunfight ensued. In the end, the officer shot and wounded the perp, saving lives.
Credit goes to school resource officer Scott Dallas for intervening to end the threat. After stopping the shooter, the officer arrested the suspect. City Administrator Danny Langloss credited Officer Dallas with saving “a lot of lives”. Indeed.
Sauk Valley online has the best coverage so far:
Dixon High School shooting: Former student shot, wounded after bringing gun
DIXON – A 19-year-old former Dixon High student is in custody with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the shoulder after bringing a gun to the school this morning.
The man shot at school resource officer Mark Dallas, who returned fire around 8 a.m., Sheriff John Simonton said.
The shooting happened in the gym, where seniors, whose last day of school was Friday, were gathered for graduation practice, City Administrator Danny Langloss said.
The officer was not injured, nor was anyone else, Langloss said.
Dixon Police believe that the suspect acted alone and that there is no further threat to the safety of students or staff.
“We’re lucky the officer was there. His brave actions saved a lot of lives,” said Langloss, whose daughter was among the seniors in the gym.
More as it becomes available.